Mutations make coronavirus more contagious? these are the facts

Yet the search for a COVID-19 vaccine has yet to shed some light, scientists are now discovering new mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These mutations change the genetic makeup, structure and ability of the coronavirus to infect. There are allegations that the mutations that occur could make this virus even more dangerous.

Mutations are often seen as a scary thing. In fact, mutations are part of the virus life cycle. The changes that occur can indeed make the virus even more dangerous. However, there are also mutations that actually benefit humans.

So, what mutations occur in the coronavirus that causes COVID-19?

Recent mutations in SARS-CoV-2

Based on the constituent genetic material, viruses are divided into DNA and RNA viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, just like influenza, hepatitis and HIV viruses. RNA viruses mutate much more easily than DNA viruses such as herpes and HPV.

Mutations are very common in the life cycle of the RNA virus. In fact, mutations can occur at any time. This is why it is not surprising that experts say that mutations in SARS-CoV-2 occur from time to time.

SARS-CoV-2 has even mutated a lot over the past few months. It's just that, these mutations occur little by little. The mutated coronavirus is not much different from the first coronavirus.

However, a study from the Scripps Research Institute in the United States attracted the attention of many experts. They found that SARS-CoV-2 had mutated into a type of virus with a higher infectivity.

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The research team called it the D614G mutation. This mutation occurs in a special protein that forms "spikes" on the surface of the coronavirus. These nails give the virus its characteristic "crown".

The crown functions to help the coronavirus attach to host cells. The increasing number of nails certainly makes it easier for the virus to infect. On average, the mutated virus had 4-5 times as many spikes on its surface.

Mutations also make the coronavirus crown more flexible. This benefits the virus, because the newly formed virus particles in one cell can move to other cells without having to be destroyed first.

The study's senior researcher, Hyeryun Choe, Ph.D., stated that SARS-CoV-2 became a more stable virus after mutating. The more stable the condition, the more likely it is that the coronavirus will last longer in the human body.

Mutation does not mean it is more dangerous

Source: Lyme DIsease Clinic

The findings of the Scripps researchers are not the first. Last March, a team of researchers from Mexico also found something similar to the D614G mutation in the coronavirus. It seems that these mutations have played a role in the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States and Europe.

The mutation does make SARS-CoV-2 easier to infect. However, it is not clear whether the mutation causes more severe disease or increases the risk of death in COVID-19 patients.

They also cannot confirm whether this mutated virus infects people in different ways. One thing the researchers believe is that mutations do not make the virus any more deadly.

In very rare cases, the virus can indeed mutate into a more dangerous type. However, RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 usually mutate into weaker viruses.

Although some parts of the virus become stronger, mutations also make other parts of the virus not work as well as before. This is the reason why viral mutations generally appear suddenly, then disappear back quickly.

Effects on vaccine development

Changes in the genetic makeup of the virus certainly have an effect on vaccines. If the virus continues to change, the vaccines that have been found will not be used to prevent infection. This occurs in cases of HIV and influenza infection.

Fortunately, the antibodies from COVID-19 patients still work on the coronavirus, whether they have the D614G mutation or not. This means that vaccines can still prevent transmission of COVID-19 even if the virus has mutated.

The SARS-CoV-2 mutation hasn't gone far enough to break through the protection that the vaccine provides. So, when the COVID-19 vaccine is discovered, vaccination will likely protect everyone who is at risk of catching the virus.

Mutations are common in the life cycle of viruses, including the coronavirus, which is currently causing a pandemic. Although it may seem scary, mutations do not always produce anything dangerous.

The COVID-19 vaccine candidate that is currently being developed is the most telling strategy in fighting the pandemic. While waiting for the vaccine, you can prevent transmission by washing your hands, wearing a mask, and applying physical distancing .